PEOPLE OPS
Newsletter 2026
THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE UPCOMING EVENTS
STAFF SUGGESTION RESPONSES
FOOD TRUCK FEATURE
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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UPCOMING EVENTS HR@GPTCHB.ORG
UPCOMING EVENTS NEO September 8 & 28 New Employee Orientation, takes place biweekly. Core Connections September 2-4 Training to provide staff with the tools and understanding of Core Connections in order to build a healthy community through physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. Concho Belt Class September 8 | 5:30PM - 9PM Cultural class on concho belt making with Instructor Warren Giago Jr. To register contact Delaney Apple, Cultural Advisor.
Men’s Health Fair September 23 | 11AM- 2:30PM Event is hosted by The Walking Forward Program at the Mother Butler Center. Benefits Happy Hour September 23 | 10AM - 12PM Come visit the benefits team at OHC in room 7. They are available to answer any questions you may have. Benefits Happy Hour September 23 | 2PM - 3PM Come visit the benefits team at Elderberry. They are available to answer any questions you may have.
988 Day Event September 8 | 4PM-8PM Annual 988 Day celebration to raise awareness at Main Street Square. Resources, outreach, food vendors, giveaways and more.
QPR Training September 24 | 12PM - 1PM QPR training will take place on 2nd floor at OHC in room 4/5. It is evidence informed suicide prevention training designed to teach people how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and help connect someone to professional support.
Virtual Dementia Tour September 15 | 10AM-3PM Have you ever wondered what everyday life might feel like for someone living with dementia? Register and attend at OHC, 2nd floor room Teton & Black Feet.
All Staff Meeting September 30 | 8AM - 9AM Please join us for our monthly all staff check-in on Teams for updates from leadership and different programs throughout the organization.
RECOGNITION DAYS Suicide Prevention Month September
Labor Day September 7
988 Day September 8
National Grandparents Day September 13
Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15
HR Professional Appreciation September 26
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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September is a Time For Hope, Support, and Connection HR@GPTCHB.ORG
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September brings a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the power of connection. As we recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we're reminded that hope often begins with something simple: a conversation, a kind word, a shared laugh, or knowing that someone cares. In our busy lives, it's easy to focus on deadlines, responsibilities, and the challenges in front of us. This month, we encourage everyone to take a moment to focus on what brings us together. Whether it's checking in with a coworker, expressing gratitude, supporting a friend, or taking time to care for your own well-being, these small actions help build a stronger and more connected community. Hope isn't about having all the answers. It's about believing that support exists, that challenges can be overcome, and that none of us need to navigate difficult moments alone. Every act of
kindness, every conversation, and every connection has the potential to make a difference. As part of our commitment to employee well-being, we encourage you to take advantage of the resources available to you, including connecting with our Employee Wellness Counselor, Cassandra Vanasse and utilizing your wellness time. Taking time to focus on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being is not only important, it's an investment in yourself. Whether you use that time to recharge, reflect, connect with loved ones, or seek additional support, prioritizing wellness helps us show up as our best selves at work and at home. Let's continue creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and connected because together, we are stronger.
A Few Ways to Foster Hope Reach out to someone you haven't spoken with in a while. Share appreciation with a colleague. Take a break to recharge and prioritize your well-being. Utilize your wellness time to focus on self-care. Connect with our Employee Wellness Counselor for support, guidance, or resources. Celebrate progress, even the small wins. Remember that asking for support is a sign of strength. Connection creates hope helps us thrive.
hope,
and
Hope grows when we remind one another that we don't have to face life's challenges alone.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Great Plains 988 Tribal Response Program
988 Reasons: Your Reason is Reason Enough September is Suicide Prevention Month Every day, the Great Plains 988 Tribal Response Program works to ensure that our relatives know they are not alone. Through outreach, training, community events, presentations, Hope Baskets, and Wokphan Kits, we promote awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and provide culturally grounded support throughout our tribal communities. What is 988? The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individuals experiencing: Emotional distress Thoughts of suicide Mental health challenges Substance use concerns Grief and loss Anyone can call or text 988 at any time to connect with trained crisis counselors. Community Leadership and Awareness Our program continues to provide: Community presentations Suicide prevention outreach Cultural wellness activities Training opportunities Resource distribution Promotion of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline By meeting relatives where they are, we help reduce stigma and increase awareness of available mental health resources.
Call or Text 988. Help is always available.
The Great Plains 988 Tribal Response Program recently launched a collection of awareness materials featuring artwork and messages that reflect the strength, resilience, and healing traditions of our Native communities. The artwork includes messages such as: "My Story is Sacred" "My Healing is Sacred" "Strong in Spirit" "You Are Not Alone" "My Life is Sacred"
Hope Baskets: A Gift of Comfort & Healing One of our most meaningful initiatives is the distribution of Hope Baskets to families affected by suicide loss. These baskets provide comfort, support, and culturally relevant healing resources during difficult times. The Hope Basket contains items intended to promote healing and connection, including a blanket, journal, grief resources, tissues, 988 materials, and a Wokphan Kit.
These messages remind our relatives that every life is sacred and worthy of hope and healing.
What's Included in a Wokphan Kit? The Wokphan Kit contains sacred medicines used to honor traditional healing practices: Sage Sweetgrass Flat Cedar Bitter Root Bear Root Cansasa Abalone Shell These items serve as a reminder that culture, tradition, and community are important parts of the healing journey.
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ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Great Plains 988 Tribal Response Program
988 Reasons: Your Reason is Reason Enough Join Us for 988 Day We will celebrate on 9/8 for our third annual 988-day event!
Our annual 988 Day celebration brings together community members, partners, and organizations to raise awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Date: September 8, 2026 Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Main Street Square in Rapid City, South Dakota. Come out to Enjoy: Community resources Outreach activities Food vendors Giveaways Family-friendly activities Mental health and wellness information Together, we can help save lives and strengthen our communities. Suicide Prevention Suicide is preventable and everyone has a role to help save lives and create healthy and strong individuals, families, and communities. While the causes of suicide are complex and determined by multiple factors, the goal of suicide prevention is to reduce risk factors and promote resilience. Ideally, prevention addresses all levels of influence: individual relationship community society Collaborative partnerships between state agencies and communities to implement evidence-based interventions will help promote awareness of suicide and encourage a commitment to social change.
Meet the Great Plains 988 Tribal Response Team Our dedicated team works throughout South Dakota's tribal and urban Native communities, providing education, outreach, support, and awareness surrounding suicide prevention and mental wellness. Remember: Your Life is Sacred. Your Story is Sacred. Your Healing is Sacred. Call or Text 988 | Available 24/7 Contact Our Team Program Manager: Martina Martinez Martina.Martinez@gptchb.org Program Coordinator: Sara Webster Sara.webster@gptchb.org Navigator: Erika Prairie Chicken Erika.prairiechicken@gptchb.org Navigator: Terry Roy Terrance.roy@gptchb.org Office Contact Information: Phone: (605)721-1922 Fax: (605)721-1932 Toll Free: (800)745-3466
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Great Plains 988 Tribal Response Program
Celebrating Native Youth Voices in our Community
The winning artwork selected for our 988 awareness campaign reflects the power of community and connection. The design features relatives joined together with the message: "If you're struggling, call or text 988. You don't have to face things alone." This artwork serves as a reminder that healing happens when communities support one another.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026 Staff Suggestion Box Updates
You Said, Leadership Responded Thank you to everyone who shared suggestions. We are committed to closing the loop by keeping you informed on how your feedback is being reviewed and addressed. Executive Leadership has been taking the time to review staff suggestions and identify opportunities for improvement across the organization. Below, you'll find responses from leadership to some of the feedback received.
Your Suggestions
1. Annually employees can elect to donate a minimum of 8 hours into a PTO bank that they can request up to 40 hours from for a qualifying life event. This was in place at a previous organization as it was very well received by the employees. 2. Oyate should consider allowing LPN’s to practice to their full scope. Or, at least perform IV push medications according to the SDBON LPN licensure and scope. 3. Thank you to leadership for recognizing employees through the recent bonus. I truly appreciate the acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication that contribute to our organization's success. For future recognition programs, I would encourage consideration of a flat-rate bonus structure to reflect the shared contributions of all employees. Every role plays an important part in fulfilling our mission, and equal recognition can reinforce the value of teamwork and collective success. 4. Have employee of the Quarter. They get a good parking spot and a lunch with CEO. 5. Get a WEX/FSA program for employee benefits. 6. Make a cell phone policy that specifies absolutely no cell phone use on duty. Give family members office ext. for emergencies. Too many staff walking around/sitting at desk checking messages, web surfing, etc. 7. If Oyate had a daycare for their employees, they might be able to retain employees a little easier. I dont have children myself but I have heard people talking about the shortage of trusted childcare providers in the area. Maybe we could do some research about what hospitals do to be able to provide this service. 8. Trying to wheel someone into our halls in Primary Care and Access Now care, with no door opening buttons is a hazard for staff and relatives. This has been a concern I've put calls for help on since I started 3 years ago. You have to try to push them in, and half the time a bystander sees the struggle and tries to help. I'm worried backs will be hurt for staff, I know it has to mine. Also, relatives can get their arms and feet hit in the doors, which can cause skin tears and injuries to possibly already hurt feet. Help!!!
PAGE 07 9. Having a place for our Relatives to get Money Orders done for those with cash. We in Optometry for sales do not accept cash - only checks, money orders, or card for payments. Alot of our Relatives come in with cash, and this would be handy for them to have nearby and at hand, if possible. I know Optometry is really the only Sales Revenue clinic but think this would still be great to meet the Relatives with their needs. 10. wellness hour - suggestion is to provide every employee with 8 hours of admin time each quarter that is to be used within that quarter for wellness. In place of the hour a week, the current process is very taxing on the managers 11. Can we stop doing AI art for all of our billboards and advertisements? We have so many talented local native artists - we should be supporting them and not AI that is ruining our environment. 12. Can we get recycling set up here? I'd like to make sure we recycle all of our plastic and aluminum cans!
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026 Staff Suggestion Box Updates
You Said, Leadership Responded Leadership Response & Next Steps
1. Thank you for sharing this suggestion and for providing an example of a program that has been successful at another organization. We appreciate the intent behind the idea and the focus on creating additional ways for employees to support one another during significant life events. We currently offer a PTO Donation Program that allows employees to voluntarily donate PTO to eligible coworkers who are experiencing qualifying circumstances and need additional leave support. Executive Leadership reviewed the suggestion and, at this time, believes the existing PTO Donation Program provides a similar mechanism for employee-toemployee support. We value employees bringing forward ideas and experiences from other organizations, as these suggestions help us continue evaluating opportunities to strengthen our benefits and support programs. 2. Thank you for this thoughtful suggestion and for highlighting how expanding LPN responsibilities could improve efficiency and the patient experience. This feedback has been shared with the appropriate leaders for review and consideration. We appreciate your perspective and will share additional updates as we receive them. 3. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful perspective. We appreciate the positive feedback about the recent bonus, as well as your suggestion for future recognition opportunities. This is a great viewpoint and one we will certainly keep in mind as we think about future employee recognition programs. We understand and value the idea that every employee contributes to the success of our organization, and feedback like this helps shape those conversations. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and ideas with us. 4. Thank you for this creative suggestion. We appreciate ideas that help recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our employees. As we continue exploring opportunities for employee recognition, we are actively considering the development of a program that would allow us to recognize a number of employees each month. While details are still being discussed, we are excited about the potential to highlight employees who make a positive impact across the organization. We love this idea and are exploring ways it could be implemented in a meaningful and inclusive way. More information will be shared as plans continue to develop. Thank you for helping us think of new ways to celebrate our employees and their contributions.
PAGE 08 5. Thank you for this suggestion. We appreciate employees sharing ideas that could enhance our benefits offerings. At this time, we are focused on providing a competitive benefits package that includes our 403(b) retirement plan and other benefit options. While a WEX/FSA program is not something we are currently able to offer, we will be sending this recommendation to the 403B committee for consideration. 6. The organization just updated the cell phone policy and incorporated clear language that personal cell phone use during work hours is limited to approved breaks, meal periods, or urgent/emergency situations. Personal cell phones and personal communication devices should not interfere with work performance, service to relatives/patients, teamwork, safety, confidentiality, or the professional environment. A link to the policy is here: https://gptlhb.policystat.com/policy/209 11617/latest#autoid-mp445 7. Thank you for this suggestion. We recognize that access to reliable childcare is an important need for many employees and can impact recruitment and retention. Childcare is part of broader long-term planning discussions, but there are no specific plans or timelines in place at this time. We appreciate the feedback and will continue to consider this need as future opportunities are evaluated. 8. Thank you for bringing this concern forward. We recognize the challenges and safety risks associated with navigating wheelchairs through areas without automatic door openers, both for employees and the relatives we serve. This project is currently on Facilities' list of priorities. Because it involves both widening doorways and installing automatic door openers throughout the clinic, it is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and funding. We will be working to prioritize this project and appreciate your patience as we continue evaluating improvements that enhance safety and accessibility for everyone
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026 Staff Suggestion Box Updates
You Said, Leadership Responded Leadership Response & Next Steps 9. Thank you for this suggestion and for identifying a potential way to make payment more convenient for our Relatives. We are currently discussing possible options with Finance to determine whether there may be a workable solution for cash-paying Relatives. No decision has been made at this time, but we appreciate the feedback and the focus on improving the Relative experience. 10. Thank you for this suggestion. We understand the desire for greater flexibility in using wellness time and appreciate the feedback on the current process. Beginning October 1, 2026, the organization will be transitioning to the Wellable platform. This platform will serve as a centralized wellness resource, providing employees with opportunities to participate in wellness activities and earn wellness time through the app. We are excited about the expanded wellness offerings and look forward to sharing more information as the rollout approaches. 11. Thank you for this suggestion. We value the importance of supporting local Native artists and ensuring our materials reflect the communities we serve. We will be looking into this feedback and reviewing our current practices. We appreciate you bringing this perspective forward and will continue working to make thoughtful decisions about the artwork and imagery used in our communications and advertising. 12. While recycling is not currently available throughout the facility, we will consider this feedback as part of future facility planning and sustainability initiatives. We appreciate you bringing this idea forward and helping us identify opportunities for improvement.
We received multiple staff suggestions about adding seating near the food truck area, so we wanted to share that if you haven't noticed already, tables have been placed outside at OHC for staff to sit, enjoy their meals, and connect with coworkers. Thank you to everyone who provided that feedback!
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Shaping our Workplace Together
Thank you to everyone who continues to share suggestions and feedback. We've received multiple requests for seating near the food truck area, and we're happy to share that tables have been added at OHC for staff to sit, enjoy their meals, and connect with coworkers. Your ideas help us identify opportunities to improve the employee experience, so please keep them coming. We appreciate your feedback and hope you'll continue sharing suggestions that help make our organization an even better place to work. If you have a suggestion you'd like to share, please submit it through the Smartsheet System. Use the link below: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/3184 0bdd09a54c149be453a6efb304ab
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Staff Highlight Initiative
TATIYE JENSEN JENSEN POSITION
Claims Technician PRC Oyate Health Center PETS FAV QUOTE
"My lands are where my dead lie buried." Crazy Horse
GPTLHB
What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I enjoy the calm and quiet environment as well as working with my co-workers who are always willing to share their knowledge and help me while I learn the hundreds of day-to-day tasks my position entails.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have two Shi Tzu’s, Daisy and Raven who are about to be parents for the 2nd.... and for sure, last time.
SUPER POWER
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would love the superpower of teleporting so I can visit my grand daughter in Texas when ever I want.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Staff Highlight Initiative
WEE
AROBBA AROBBA POSITION
Care Manager RN Women’s Health Oyate Health Center FOOD FAV QUOTE
“How do you move a mountain? One spoonful of dirt at a time.”
What's your favorite food or cuisine? I love Mexican food- carne asada tacos are my absolute favorite.
GPTLHB
What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? What I’ve enjoyed most about working for GPTLHB is the welcoming environment, family-like feel, and incorporation of Lakota culture.
MUSIC
What's your favorite music genre or band? My favorite band is the Lumineers.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Staff Highlight Initiative
TINA
MAAKESTAD MAAKESTAD POSITION
Nurse Manager Team Sweetgrass Oyate Health Center FAV QUOTE
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectations of reward.” Princess Diana GPTLHB
What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? Is being part of something larger than myself, being present and having the privilege to serve others while helping create an environment where relatives; families; and staff feel valued, supported, and cared for. The greatest part of my job is not what I do, but who I do it for.
PETS
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have 2 black labs brother and sister 9 years young but act like 6-month-old puppies, very well behaved, they are with me always except for work. If they cannot go, then neither do I. We love to hike in the Black Hills especially if there is water nearby. REMEMBER
What’s one thing you want to be remembered for? I hope to be remembered not for the life I lived, but for the lives that were different because I lived, for making people’s lives a little better than I found them, for the love and kindness I showed when it mattered the most.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026 Training and Development
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Coming up Development August Highlights: Where has August gone? We can't believe how quickly it has gone by. August has been one of our favorite months! We had excellent training sessions in our monthly trainings, welcomed 7 new employees through NEO, and launched new department trainings, "Customer Service" and "The Gratitude Challenge". Shoutout to all departments who signed up for our department trainings! Pharmacy FUN DAY!
in
Training
Our focus value for August was Fortitude (Wowalitake). We had many different trainings surrounding our value including: Leadership Development: Leader Not a Boss with Bill Colson People Ops Fundamentals: Leading through Conflict with Elle Swan Core Connection Tool: Creative Tension and Personal Vision with Chelsea Randall Cultural Connections: Traditional Lakota Leadership with Sarah Four Horns Growing & Healing Together: After Hard Conversations with Nico Sheppard Hello from our Team!
Welcome, August New Hires
We also got to build a team building luncheon for Pharmacy. There were different craft tables including making a poster for their team, crafting with dough, checkers, and a team building connecting game! We had such a great time and hope to see more departments participate in this!
&
Training & Development Photos of the Month!
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Privacy and Compliance
Privacy Lesson: Protecting PHI Starts with You E-Mail Encryption 101 Email encryption scrambles text and the attachments of a message into unreadable code. This protects sensitive data (PHI) from hackers, ISPs or bots during transmission.
Iktomi: The Original Rez Reporter “The Medical Records Incident”
By th Numbers Incidents Reported: 11 Substantiated (Not Reportable): 2 Still Under Investigation: 2 Severity level: High Risk 0 Incidents Great job! No high-severity incidents were identified during this reporting period. Medium Risk 7 Incidents These incidents required attention and follow-up but maintained manageable with appropriate mitigation efforts. Low Risk 4 Incidents Minor concerns that were addressed with minimal impact.
Internal OHC emails & emails between OHC & Central Office are auto encrypted! To encrypt emails going out of the org, while in the outgoing message, select “Options” then “Encrypt”. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our team. Sarah Four Horns Ext. 2284 Debbie Matson Teams or Ext. 2511
coworkers, and public figures. Access is based on job responsibility, not personal relationships.
Resolution Performance Privacy Lesson Access records only to perform your job: PHI access is permitted only for authorized duties related to treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. Access out of curiosity is not allowed. Never access records of coworkers, friends, family, celebrities, or others out of curiosity. Legitimate workrelated need is required. Access your own record only through approved methods, employee access cannot bypass official patient information procedures. Privacy protections apply equally to family, friends,
Average Time to Close Cases 6.25 Days Our team continues to respond and resolve incidents efficiently, helping minimize risk and maintain compliance standards. Corrective Actions 1 Completed Action Termination Implemented Appropriate corrective action was taken to address the identified compliance concern High-Level Compliance Risks 0 High-Risk Open Items Excellent news! There are currently no open high-level compliance risks requiring executive attention.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Employee Wellness Corner
Cassandra Vanasse Shares the Power of Tiny Rest
This week, challenge yourself to build a few moments of rest into your day. Even five minutes can make a difference. Think of these pauses as an investment in your well-being rather than time lost. Wellness Tip: This week, identify one boundary you can strengthen and commit to it for the next five workdays. Small changes can make a big difference. Remember: You don't need more hours in the day to care for yourself. Sometimes all it takes is a moment.
In a world that often celebrates staying busy, rest can sometimes feel like something we have to earn. Many people think rest only comes in the form of a vacation, a long weekend, or time away from work. The truth is that small moments of rest throughout the day can have a powerful impact on our wellbeing.
sandra Vanasse s a C Employee Wellness Counselor
Tiny rest is the practice of intentionally taking short pauses to recharge your mind and body. It might be stepping outside for fresh air, taking a few slow breaths, stretching at your desk, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, or simply pausing between tasks. These moments may seem small, but they help reduce stress, improve focus, and give our nervous system a chance to reset. When we move from one responsibility to the next without a break, our mental and emotional resources become depleted. Tiny moments of recovery help us return to our work, our families, and our daily responsibilities with greater energy and presence. Rest is not a reward for productivity; it is one of the things that makes productivity sustainable.
Cassandra Vanasse, Employee Wellness Counselor is available to support all staff, whether you're at OHC or Elderberry. Cassandra provides a confidential space to discuss personal or workplace challenges, stress management, worklife balance, and overall well-being.
This week, challenge yourself to build a few moments of rest into your day. Even five minutes can make a difference. Think of these pauses as an investment in your well-being rather than time lost.
To schedule an appointment, please contact Cassandra directly via Teams. Taking time to care for your well-being is an important step toward staying healthy, engaged, and supported at work.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Snapshots of the Month
August in Pictures
& Raylin, from Darelyn & Laketon, help About 1,500 backpacks were Tosa at the prepare supplies for the prepared to help local youth communications community backpack event. start the school year strong. Backpack Giveaway event.
Children were separated from their families. Eric from Security & Mariah, a CSR representative, stepped in to assist, showing the outstanding service and compassion of our team.
Lunch break! The staff who prepared school supplies and backpacks were able to share lunch together.
People Ops took part in a Sr. Director of People Ops, Alex helping prepare and training hosted by the Elle Swan lead a training on haul backpacks for the community event. Training & Development Leading through Conflict. team.
“A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away." – Eudora Welty
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Staff Highlight Initiative
CHANNING
SWIMMER SWIMMER POSITION
Motor Vehicle Operator Transportation Oyate Health Center
HOBBY
What's your favorite hobby or pastime? FAV QUOTE
“You will amplify what you accommodate”
GPTLHB
What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I enjoy hearing from relatives how their day is going and hearing all the different stories they tell me while I’m transporting them to the next destination. Also the native humor that comes along the way with the stories at times.
I have two dogs. Negan Skye (9) female purebred lemon Beagle. She's calm and relaxed most of the time, but she can also be surprisingly loud. Kane Brown (6) male Border Collie and Blue Heeler mix. He's like the Energizer Bunny. While Kane loves anything involving water, Negan prefers sunbathing. BUCKET LIST
What's one thing on your bucket list that you haven't done yet? I would say skydiving is towards the top of my bucket list. I just want to feel the adrenaline rush.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Staff Highlight Initiative
SIMON
MANNISTO MANNISTO POSITION
Clinical Applications Coordinator IT Oyate Health Center FAV QUOTE
“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather, it is one of those things which give value to survival.” – C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves.
GPTLHB
PETS
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! My wife and I have two dogs: Noki and Winnie. They’re both Boxer mixes. Noki is protective and demanding, Winnie is timid and anxious, but they’re both the most affectionate and loving dogs I’ve ever met. I have plenty of pictures if anyone wants to see them! HEALTH CARE
What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I highly enjoy the company’s focus on providing the best possible care for our relatives.
What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? I pursued a career in healthcare because I want my work to help people. Healthcare is one of the most direct and impactful ways to help those who need it.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Staff Highlight Initiative
KIMIMILAWIN FLYING BY FLYING BY
FIRE THUNDER FIRE THUNDER POSITION
Care Coordinator Generational Health Programs Central Office HOBBY FAV QUOTE
“If we do not give ourselves permission to dream, how do we give ourselves permission to thrive? … All we have, even in the worst moments, are the dreams of better things to come.” ― Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual GPTLHB
What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? What I enjoy the most about working here at GPTH is the ability to foster a better relationship with the relatives in our community and connect with others better.
What's your favorite hobby or pastime? My favorite hobby is to do beadwork. Whether it’s a bigger project or something small, I love beading and creating different pieces. UNWIND
What's your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? After a busy day I love to open my blinds in my living room, sit in my recliner and read. It helps me unwind and decompress.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
Benefits Buzz
Now Available: Roth 403(b) Retirement Savings Option
The Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board 403(b) Retirement Plan now offers a Roth (after-tax) contribution option, giving employees more flexibility in how they save for retirement. Employees can now choose to contribute to: A Traditional (Pre-Tax) 403(b) A Roth (After-Tax) 403(b) Or a combination of both
What’s the difference? Traditional 403(b): Contributions reduce your taxable income today, with taxes paid upon withdrawal in retirement. Roth 403(b): Contributions are made after taxes, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are generally taxfree. No action is required if you are already enrolled and do not wish to participate in the Roth option. Don’t Miss the Match The Health Board continues to match 100% of employee contributions up to 6% of eligible compensation, regardless of whether contributions are made to a Traditional, Roth, or combined account. Employees contributing less than 6% may be missing out on employer-paid retirement savings. Enroll or Make Changes To enroll, update contributions, or add Roth contributions, complete the 403(b) Enrollment Form and submit it through the Organization Development Support Request: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/05164af32a7644ef85 e630944b1e42a4 For questions about plan eligibility, enrollment, or contribution changes, contact the Benefits Department. For investment or retirement planning guidance, contact Josef Ghaussy, Hub International, at 402-964-5694 or josef.ghaussy@hubinternational.com
The Benefits Department cannot provide investment, tax, or financial planning advice.
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Benefits Buzz
Benefits Happy Hour We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in our weekly Benefits Happy Hour sessions at OHC and Elderberry. Thank you for stopping by, asking great questions, and connecting with the Benefits team. We're excited to share that we'll be sending out additional Benefits Happy Hour dates for September. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements and have your questions ready. We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping you make the most of your benefits!
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Staff Highlight Initiative
DESIREE
MCGAA MCGAA POSITION
Patient Services Representative Patient Services Oyate Health Center FAV QUOTE
“Failure is a great teacher and, if you are open to it, every mistake has a lesson to offer.” —Oprah Winfrey
BUCKET LIST
What's one thing on your bucket list that you haven't done yet?
GPTLHB
What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I like working for GPTLHB because of my coworkers and I love helping the relatives and getting to know them. Also, seeing firsthand all the great things the optometry clinic does for the relatives and I love that I get to be a part of that.
Skydiving. FOOD
What's your favorite food or cuisine? Tacos and Chinese.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Staff Highlight Initiative
SARA DAN DAN POSITION
Staff Accountant Finance Central Office FAV QUOTE
“It’s okay to be sensitive – it means you have magic in your heart.”
UNWIND
What's your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? I’ve been finding my love for building adult Lego sets. I’m working on building a retro radio that you can put your phone into and use as a speaker! PETS
GPTLHB
What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I love the culture of my team! I feel like we get to make Finance fun while still being involved in serving the relatives.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have a 14-year-old Pomeranian dog named Trico (tree-ko). I’ve had him for 9 years and he still has the energy of a young pup. He’s my shadow at home.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
Lakota Culture: Teachings for the Future
Strengthening Kinships
Learning Lakota is more than learning words, it’s celebrating culture, building connections, and honoring a language that carries identity and strength. Homework for the Month of September Igmu wan bluha ye/yelo - I have a cat. Sunka wan bluha ye/yelo - I have a dog. ______ emaciyapi ye/yelo - My name is ______.
Powerful Lakota Affirmations Wamasake - I am Powerful Maksape - I am Smart Iyotanic’ila - I love Myself Waste kta ecela iblukchan yo/ye - I think in a positive way Blihemic’iye - I gather my strength
Pe, We, Ksto, ye - Female Dialect Po, Wo, Yelo, hwo - Male Dialect
Learning Together
Cultural Advisor Delaney Apple encourages staff to participate in the following: Mondays & Tuesdays: Craft Night 5:30-8:30pm at Lakota Homes Oyate Center Tuesdays: Lakota Language Class 12-1:00pm (Oglala Conference Room) or via Zoom.
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Staying Connected through Culture
August kept Cultural Advisor Delaney Apple busy with a variety of cultural and community engagement activities. He continued facilitating his weekly Lakota language Zoom sessions for both staff and community members, helping participants strengthen their language skills and cultural connections. Delaney also hosted weekly drum and craft nights at the Lakota Homes Oyate Center, providing opportunities for cultural learning, creativity, and community building. In August, Delaney also hosted a highly successful Concho Belt Class led by instructor Warren Giago Jr. The class reached full capacity, reflecting strong interest from participants eager to learn traditional craftsmanship and cultural teachings. On August 25, Delaney hosted an Inípi ceremony at the OHC East Lodge. Participants were honored to learn from and spend time with Henry Quick Bear, who generously shared his knowledge and teachings with those in attendance. The ceremony provided a meaningful opportunity for cultural practice, reflection, and spiritual connection. If you missed the opportunity to participate in August, be on the lookout for more information, as Henry Quick Bear will be returning in the future to continue sharing his teachings. Looking ahead, interest in the Concho Belt Class remains high, and two additional Concho Belt Classes are scheduled for September, providing even more opportunities for participants to learn traditional skills and cultural teachings. Through these ongoing efforts, Delaney continues to promote cultural awareness, preserve traditional knowledge, and strengthen connections throughout the organization and community.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
Joke with Us - Laughter is Medicine
Funny News
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Want to Hear a Joke? Q: What do you call an alligator in a vest?
Humor is an important part of creating a positive workplace culture. Sharing a laugh can help reduce stress, build relationships, improve communication, and make the workday more enjoyable. Whether it's a lighthearted joke, a funny story, or a moment of friendly teasing between coworkers, humor has a unique way of bringing people together and strengthening team connections. In many Native communities, humor is more than just entertainment. Native humor is often rooted in storytelling, observation, resilience, and shared experiences. It has long been used as a way to teach lessons, navigate challenges, strengthen community bonds, and find joy even during difficult times. Many Native people can relate to the gentle teasing, quick wit, and humorous stories that are often shared among family and friends. These moments of laughter help create connection, remind us of our shared experiences, and keep traditions alive. Bringing appropriate humor into the workplace can foster a sense of belonging and community. It reminds us that while our work is important, it is also okay to laugh, enjoy one another's company, and celebrate the human side of our organization. A smile, a funny story, or a good laugh can go a long way toward making someone's day a little brighter. So don't be surprised if you hear a little friendly joking around the office. Sometimes the best team-building activity is simply sharing a laugh together. As many Native families know, if you're being teased a little, it's often a sign that you're accepted, respected, and considered part of the family.
A: An investigator. Want to Hear Another Joke? I don't mind going to work every day... It is the sitting around for 8 hours waiting to go home that I can't stand!
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026 Check-in-spiration
Check-in Station
PAGE 25 Here are a few fun ways to get the conversation and connection started: What’s Your Weather? If your mood today were weather, what would it be and why?
Camera Roll Check-In Find a recent photo on your phone that makes you smile or tells a little bit about your life. Share it and the story behind it!
Check-ins are about connection. They create intentional space to pause, see how people are doing, and get to know one another beyond job titles and daily responsibilities. As one of the tools we learn through Core Connections, check-ins help foster meaningful relationships across our organization. In a 1:1 setting, they build trust, strengthen communication, and create more genuine connections between coworkers. In team or group settings, they help cultivate belonging and strengthen team relationships. Learning small things about the people we work with encourages understanding, creates connection, and reminds us that we're people first and coworkers second. Check-ins don't always have to look the same. Mix it up and find creative ways to help people connect, laugh, and learn something new about one another. Whether it's a simple question, a fun activity, or a moment of reflection, the goal is the same: to create a genuine connection that isn't centered on work. By making check-ins a regular practice, we strengthen our culture of connection, one conversation at a time.
Pick a Card Choose a conversation, picture, affirmation, or other card that you connect with. Share which one you chose and why.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Food Truck Forecast
Foodie Feature
Dirty Pop
Revved Coffee Co.
Patas Azules
Fried & Frosted
Poco Loco
The Soda Bar
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Food Truck Forecast
Foodie Feature
The Little Taco Bus
Tacos Los Carnales
Jukebox Soda Shop
Culichi Roll
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FOOD TRUCK IN RAPID CITY AND SURROUNDING AREAS?
Tell us who you’d like to see on-site. Email your favorite food trucks to andraya.bledsoe@gptchb.org
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Staff Highlight Initiative
JESSICA RAMIREZ RAMIREZ POSITION
Patient Services Representative Imaging Oyate Health Center FAV QUOTE
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
GPTLHB
What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I’m still fairly new, but I do enjoy the welcoming/warm atmosphere that my fellow coworkers have provided.
UNWIND
What's your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? My favorite way to unwind after a busy day is to play my game which requires no thought, lol!
PETS
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I have 2 chihuahua’s Ace and Jax (they are brothers). They just turned 7 this past June, my kids are grown, so these are our babies.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Staff Highlight Initiative
HEIDI
RICE RICE
POSITION
Medical Lab Tech Lab Oyate Health Center
FAV QUOTE
“Good hearts know Good Hearts.”
GPTLHB
What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I love the mission here! Inclusivity, patience, and kindness are very important to me, and I also love to give back. It’s why I work in healthcare! So far, I’m loving our lab and organization.
BUCKET LIST
What's one thing on your bucket list that you haven't done yet? There is a museum in Amsterdam that displays Microbiology Art called Micropia! (Yes, I love lab that much). It is amazing to me how even the tiniest of “icky” organisms can make something beautiful. REMEMBER
What’s one thing you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered for being kind and for leaving people happier than when I found them. I have received kindness and help during times I wasn’t so lovable and those experiences have changed my life for the better. It feels good to give back and to help others.
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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Employee Engagement
What’s Happening in Employee Engagement?
Hello from Employee Engagement For those I haven't had the chance to meet yet, my name is Andraya Bledsoe, and I serve as the Employee Engagement Specialist. One of my favorite parts of my role is getting to meet employees across the organization and support new hires as they begin their journey with us. Being able to check in, answer questions, and help staff feel connected from day one is incredibly rewarding. You may already recognize my name from your inbox! I am the person who sends out the 30-, 60-, and 90-day new hire check-in emails. These check-ins help us understand how new employees are settling into their roles and identify opportunities where we can provide additional support.
Employee Engagement Survey Updates Thank you to everyone who participated in our Employee Engagement Survey. We are currently working through the results and gathering the key themes that emerged from your feedback. Your input is valuable, and we want to take the time to thoughtfully review the information before determining next steps.
Food Truck Requests I'm also continuing to work on scheduling your food truck requests and bringing new and exciting options to our facility. My goal is to keep the schedule fresh while offering a variety of choices for everyone to enjoy. Our unofficial official Food Truck Friday has been a huge hit, and it's been great to see staff come together to enjoy good food, catch up with coworkers, and take a well-deserved break during the day. It's a fun reminder that sometimes engagement can be as simple as sharing a meal and connecting with one another. If you have a favorite food truck you'd like to see visit us, or if you have suggestions for future options, please email me at andraya.bledsoe@gptchb.org
People thrive when they feel seen, heard, and connected. That's where engagement begins.
As soon as we have more details to share, staff will be the first to know what we plan to do with the survey feedback and how it will help shape future improvements across the organization. Staff Highlights A huge thank you to everyone who has participated in our Staff Highlights, which are now featured in the People Ops Newsletter! One of my favorite things about employee engagement is getting to learn more about the amazing people who work here. These spotlights help us connect beyond job titles, celebrate each other's stories, and build stronger relationships across the organization. The more we know about one another, the stronger our culture becomes, and those connections are what make engagement meaningful. Keep an eye out for an email to be highlighed and thank you to everyone who has shared a little piece of their story with us!
ISSUE 07 / SEPTEMBER 2026
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SO THE PEOPLE MAY LIVE People Operations
Inside People Operations Connecting with People Ops Team
A Message from People Ops
September reminds us of the importance of connection, support, and looking out for one another. As we recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to check in with colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a meaningful difference.
At People Operations, we believe support comes in many forms. While we're always here to help navigate challenges, we're also big believers in the power of humor. A shared laugh can ease stress, strengthen relationships, and remind us that we're not alone. In fact, humor is one of the tools our team uses to stay connected, build trust, and bring a little lightness to even the busiest days. This month, take time to connect, offer support, and don't underestimate the impact of a smile or a laugh. Together, we can continue creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Best Practices
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to the HR department at: hr@gptchb.org submit a Smartsheet request
Phone Directory Extensions Elle Swan - 2568
Jessica Olson - 2579 Cameron Lafferty - 2564 Mariah Frost - 4009 Andraya Bledsoe - 2280 Tricia McGuire - 2566 Sharla Salway - 2349 Michael Alcanter - 2562 Farrah Beard-Mincks - 2621 Erika Buchholz - 2384 Delaney Apple - 2670 Cassandra Vanasse - 2219 Gen Ribitsch - 2286
As always, we’re sending our HR approved love!
Adam Hosch - 2633 Gabrielle Knife - 4048